Sony 2024 Televisions: A Bold New Direction
Sony’s 2024 television lineup has generated significant buzz due to its unconventional strategy. Unlike most manufacturers who prioritize flagship OLED TVs, Sony is showcasing its advanced Mini LED backlighting technology. This year, Sony is releasing only three new TVs (four in the US and Australia), with the rest of the 2024 lineup consisting of models carried over from 2023. While this might seem concerning, Sony’s impressive track record in 2023 suggests this risky approach could succeed. However, with strong competition from Samsung, LG, Philips, and Panasonic, can Sony maintain its dominance in the TV market?
Sony’s 2024 TV Innovations
Several key innovations define Sony’s 2024 TV range:
The Return of Bravia
The Bravia branding is taking center stage in 2024. The new, simplified naming convention features the Bravia 9, Bravia 8, Bravia 7, and the US/Australia-exclusive Bravia 3. Each model promises a cinematic home viewing experience.
Mini LED Takes the Lead
Sony’s focus on Mini LED technology is evident in the Bravia 9, featuring the XR Master Backlight Drive. This advanced system, inspired by Sony’s professional mastering monitors, boasts precise local dimming and minimal blooming. The Bravia 8 is the sole new OLED offering, succeeding the award-winning A80L. Older models like the A95L and A90K also remain in the lineup.
The Power of the XR Processor
The new Bravia XR processor powers the advanced features of the 2024 lineup. Its picture recognition engine enhances foliage and faces, while cloud-based calibration optimizes picture settings for streaming services like Amazon Prime Video, Netflix, and Sony Pictures Core.
Sony 2024 TV Model Breakdown
Sony Bravia 9 Mini LED TV
The flagship Bravia 9 boasts a Mini LED backlight, promising 50% increased brightness and triple the dimming zones compared to its predecessor, the X95L. It features a 70W 2.2.2 channel Acoustic Multi-Audio+ sound system. While equipped with four HDMI ports, only two are HDMI 2.1, supporting 4K/120Hz gaming. The Bravia 9 utilizes the Google TV operating system and is available in 75-inch and 85-inch sizes in the UK. A 65-inch model is available in the US.
Sony Bravia 8 OLED TV
As the successor to the A80L, the Bravia 8 OLED TV features a 10% brightness increase and the updated Bravia XR processor. It utilizes OLED Acoustic Surface Audio+ technology for immersive sound. Available in 55-inch, 65-inch, and 77-inch sizes, the Bravia 8 caters to a wider range of viewers.
Sony Bravia 7 Mini LED TV
The Bravia 7 replaces the X90L, upgrading to a Mini LED backlight with quantum dots. This results in a 30% brightness boost and eight times more dimming zones. It features a modified Acoustic Multi-Audio system and supports 4K/120Hz gaming with two HDMI 2.1 ports. The Bravia 7 is available in 55-inch, 65-inch, 77-inch, and 85-inch sizes.
Sony Bravia 3 LED TV
Exclusive to the US and Australia, the entry-level Bravia 3 offers 4K resolution, HDR support, and a 60Hz panel. With four HDMI 2.0 ports, it lacks advanced gaming features. It’s available in a wide range of sizes, from 43-inch to 85-inch.
Continuing Models: Sony A95L, A90K, X90L, and X85L
Sony also carries over the A95L QD-OLED, A90K OLED, X90L LED, and X85L LED TVs from previous years. These models continue to offer excellent picture quality and features at various price points.
Sony’s 2024 television lineup presents a compelling blend of innovation and familiar favorites. The emphasis on Mini LED technology and the powerful XR processor signals a bold new direction for Sony. While the limited number of new models might seem risky, the strength of the existing models and Sony’s commitment to quality suggest a promising year for the company.
